Biology MS

About the MS in Biology at Loyola

Biology is a professional field that is essential to society's health and well-being on a number of levels. The biology field fuels advances in areas like medicine and agriculture while providing an understanding of how our natural world functions and what improvements can be made.

The Master of Science (MS) in Biology program offered through Loyola's Graduate School gives you powerful preparation to be part of scientific discovery at the highest levels.

While most research-intensive biology programs are lab based, Loyola's master's in biology program features a strong fieldwork component. You will have opportunities to work at sites in places like Alaska, Puerto Rico, and British Columbia. The MS in Biology program also emphasizes aquatic biology, organismal biology, and developmental biology with an evolutionary focus.

Program Structure

The MS in Biology can be pursued either full-time. Classes are held at the Lake Shore Campus, located on Chicago's North Side, right along Lake Michigan, in a diverse and dynamic residential area.

The MS in Biology is a 30-credit-hour program that includes required core courses, electives, teaching practica, and research activities.

If you are interested in the master's in biology program, please contact individual faculty members to discuss research opportunities in their areas of interest and gain the necessary thesis direction for entry.

Why Choose Loyola for the MS in Biology?

A faculty of renowned experts and leading scholars

The program's graduate faculty is composed of internationally acclaimed researchers and scholars. They are active, engaged mentors who will involve you in research at the forefront of modern biology.

Unlike most graduate programs, which are laboratory based, Loyola's MS in Biology emphasizes organismal components and field-based research. This prepares you for all aspects of research, from developing a project to data acquisition, and analysis to manuscript writing and presentations.

Loyola University Chicago's Department of Biology is widely recognized for its excellence in programming, research opportunities, and overarching impact on the scientific community.

Our location along Lake Michigan in the heart of Chicago offers an array of professional connections. You will also benefit from high-quality resources, including a micro-CT scanner, confocal microscope, SEM, TEM, web laboratory, and fish rooms.

The program delivers a series of workshops and practicums designed to foster teaching experiences and skills. Through them, you will be empowered to teach within the department (after your second year) as well as at the high school level.

As a student in the program, you will be part of a supportive, tight-knit community where people work together, learn from each other, interact professionally and socially, and maintain personal connections well into the future.

Biology Department

The Department of Biology has extensive resources to support superior teaching and research in all the major areas of contemporary biological sciences to prepare students for graduate school or other professional studies, teaching, or careers in industry or government. Find stories showcasing current students and graduates from the Biology MS program and learn more about why Loyola is right for you.

Department WebsiteDepartment News and Stories

Meet the Faculty

The master in biology faculty members are exceptional instructors and dedicated mentors who conduct significant research in a wide array of areas. Faculty research interests include developmental biology, cell and molecular biology, neurobiology, organismal biology, paleontology, and ecology..

The Loyola biology faculty attract a significant amount of external grant support, allowing them to pursue projects that are at the forefront of modern biology.

Faculty

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Biology MS program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Biology MS learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

The estimated tuition and fees for the Biology MS totals $34950.00, or 30 credit hours at a cost of $1,165.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

The Graduate School Scholarships

Information about funding opportunities within The Graduate School can be found on The Graduate School website.

Biology MS Scholarships

The Biology Department offers a limited number of research assistantships on a competitive basis that include stipend, tuition scholarships, and health insurance.

Appointments and Events

Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.

Schedule an Appointment

The Graduate School offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

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Visit and Connect With Us

With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.

The Graduate School
To explore The Graduate School and Loyola digitally, follow us on social and read up on our recent news below.
News and Stories

Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Biology MS are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Fall
Students who wish be considered for a university stipend and tuition scholarship: February 1
All other applicants: June 1

Please note that applications are not reviewed until the fall priority deadline passes.

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Biology MS include:

  • Official Transcripts

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Approval from a Faculty Research Advisor

Statement of Purpose Details

Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals.

Official Documents

Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.

International Applicant Requirements

An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

International Applicant Requirements
Start Your Application

Applying online to the Biology MS program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.

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